Nanopowders were synthesized by the combustion method. To achieve high transparency, Y2O3 particulares were used as matrix materials, La3+ and Nd3+ were used as dopants, and polyethyleneglycol (PEG) was used as dispersants for the sintering under vacuum 10(-3) Pa and 1600 degrees C for 6 h. The precursor and powders calcined at different temperatures were characterized using TG-DTA, XRD, BET and FESEM. Results showed that La3+ and Nd3+ were completely dissolved into the cubic lattice of Y2O3. The sizes of the nanopowders were uniform and spherical-like. The particle sizes of powders gradually increased with increasing the calcination temperature. The dispersant can effectively prevent the powders from the agglomeration, and the particle sizes of powders gradually increased with increasing citric acid. The transmittance of the nanopowders was close to its theoretical value. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.